FC Cincinnati announced the signing of starting goalkeeper Roman Celentano to a long-term extension through the 2027 MLS season.
Celentano, 22, has been FCC’s starting goalkeeper since Alec Kann sustained an injury at the start of the 2022 MLS season. Following the injury, Celentano has never even given a reason for head coach Pat Noonan’s confidence to waver. In that time, Celentano has had 15 clean sheets and made 158 saves.
“Roman is an extremely talented young goalkeeper who’s been a crucial part of our success the past two seasons,” Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati general manager, said in a news release. “He’s a model teammate with a relentless work ethic and elite shot-stopping ability, and we look forward to his continued development under Paul Rogers and our goalkeeping group. We are delighted to keep Roman with the club for many years to come.”
Celentano was drafted by FCC second overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft from Indiana University as a Generation Adidas player. According to Laurel Pfahler, this was set to run out in December.
“It’s a really great feeling to re-sign here, and it shows their faith in me,” Celentano said in the news release. “From the upper management of the club to the technical staff, to all the people I work with every day and then the teammates. It’s unbelievable to come into work every day. It’s an honor to wear the badge and to play at TQL Stadium. We’re going to do some big things this year still but knowing that I can be in Cincinnati for the next four years, I’m filled with pride.”
Celentano was also called into the U.S. Men’s National Team camp with the USMNT January Training Camp earlier this year. He also made an appearance on the bench for the country’s Continental Clásico matchup against Mexico in April.